Welcome to Sri Lanka. On this day of your 14 days Sri Lanka tour, you shall start exploring its marvels. Upon your arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, an you will be warmly greeted by our very own chauffeur guide and transferred to Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
Firstly, you will visit at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. This was established 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife department. In 1978 the orphanage was taken over by the National Zoological Gardens from the Department of Wildlife. A captive breeding program was launched in 1982. Since the inception of the program over 20 elephants have been bred here. The aim of the orphanage is to simulate a natural habitat to these elephants. The orphanage, which boasts to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world is very popular and visited daily by many Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The main attraction is clear to observe the elephants bathing which is quite a spectacle. However, the elephants are taken to the river twice a day for a bath, and all the babies less than three years of age are still bottle fed by the mahouts and volunteers.
Traveling through Pinnawala our next destination would be the cave temple in Dambulla. Dambulla is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the region known as Sri Lanka`s Cultural Triangle. It is located 24 km (30 min) from Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka. Built in about 80 BC It is the largest and best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. The Buddhist temple complex of Dambulla consists of five cave temples carved under a very large overhanging rock. The cave walls and ceiling are entirely painted with paintings depicting early Buddhist historical events and murals with traditional Buddhist designs. Like all the other cave temples, this one is dimly lit, preserving the vibrant colors of the paintings and murals. Another unusual feature of this particular cave temple is the large metal bowl that was placed inside the cave centuries ago, presumably to catch rain dripping from the cave roof. It`s said that even in a severe drought, the water in the bowl does not dry up. The vast internal spaces of the cave shrines are not compartmentalized, but are spatially differentiated by a deliberate and subtle arrangement of polychrome sculpture of exceptional craftsmanship and decorated with brilliant compositions of mural paintings.
You can look forward to another scrumptious dinner and overnight stay Dambulla.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and leave early morning for Sigiriya. Sigiriya is one of the most valuable historical monuments of Sri Lanka. Referred by locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World this ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is probably the most visited tourist destination of Sri Lanka. One of the most striking features of Sigiriya is its Mirror wall. Sigiriya rock plateau, formed from magma of an extinct volcano, is 200 meters higher than the surrounding jungles. Unbelievable technical, stone methods, wall Arts with beautiful environment shows you the unlimited the fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. The main entrance is located in the northern side of the rock
Next you will visit Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka`s second most ancient kingdom, Polonnaruwa, became the capital of Sri Lanka following the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 AD. Built by King Parakramabahu I, this urban green city has seen numerous civilisations journeying through this kingdom including the Cholas, South Indian Hindu and Buddhist Sinhalese, between the 12th and 13th centuries. Brimming with archeologically treasures, the city is dotted with temples, shrines, palaces and ruins. Once a massive structure with 50 rooms, today impressive walls still stand strong. Lion sculptures guard the stairs to the king`s audience hall, where intricately carved stone elephants line the walls and the king’s swimming pool with large crocodile mouth statues spout fresh water. Built of stone, Shiva Devale No.2, the oldest Hindu temple in Polonnaruwa is tucked away in a small forest clearing. An impressive collection of ruins forms the sacred quadrangle and in the middle is the vatadage with four entrances leading to the place where the Sacred Tooth Relic was once housed. Explore the large stupa (hemispherical structure containing relics) Rankot Vihara and the monks’ quarters
Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Sigiriya
Enjoy a delectable breakfast and gear up for an enchanting beach tour.
First you will visit Koneswaram Temple . Koneswaram Temple, is a Hindu temple in Thirukonamalai on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The temple lies on a high rocky promontory surrounded on three sides by the sea. It bears a history of over three millennia with its records indicating its roots in 1580 BC. This, still beautiful, historical monument is what remains of what once was a sprawling temple city equal to the ancient city of Madurai, India. This important Hindu pilgrimage site displaying Darvidian architectural style is believed to be one of the Panch Ishwarams with a swayambhu lingam. The shrine exudes sacred vibes and is a wonderful place for seeking solace in the divine presence.
Next you will visit Pigeon Island National Park. Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit near Trincomalee, the Pigeon Island National Park was declared a marine sanctuary way back in 1963 and designated as a national park in 2003. The national park is home to the vibrant marine life, stunning rock formations, and endangered rock pigeons, based on which the national park gets its name. Pigeon Island is also known to have the best coral reefs in the entire country. With a 200 m long and 100 m wide coral reef with nearly a hundred species of gorgeous corals, the Large Pigeon Island has an unmatched live coral reef with a high ecosystem and significant reef habitat.
In the evenging you will visit Marble Beach. Marble Beach is another beautiful beach located about 15.4 km east coast of Trincomalee district. The beach is situated at the Marble Bay that comes within the Trincomalee’s natural harbor area. The sea water of the Marble Sea is very clear and the seabed can be seen very clearly which is why this beach is named as the Marble Beach. Swimming is a great beach for little kids to play with. A very safe beach. The cleanliness is very high. When the day is bright and the sea is calm, you can see the surface shining like a marble and that’s how the name is derived.
Overnight stay at Trincomalee.
After breakfast you will proceed to Anuradhapura.
Our next stop is in one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka in the city of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is the heritage capitol of Sri Lanka which is five hours away from capitol Colombo. Anuradhapura is the first capital of Sri Lanka located in north central province of Sri Lanka. It is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka which was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Due to its ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization UNESCO named it as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982 under the name of Sacred City of Anuradhapura. Upon arrival in Anuradhapura, Check in to the bungalow, situated on the shores of the Tissawewa, set in a large tree-filled garden, is a small elegantly simple bungalow that reflects the serenity of the Great ancient Stupas that can be seen. The ruins of Anuradhapura are one of South Asia`s most evocative sights. The sprawling complex contains a rich collection of archaeological and architectural wonders: enormous dagobas ancient pools and crumbling temples, built during Anuradhapura’s thousand years of rule over Sri Lanka.
Next you will visit Mihintale .Mihintale is part of a mountain peak in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is said to be the point of meeting between Mahinda, the Buddhist monk, who arrived from India and King Devanampiyatissa, where the formed preached the doctrine of Buddhism, which was the opening point of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Ruins of an Ancient hospital, Refectory hall, Lion pond, Cobra pond, Ambastale, and Mihindu cave.
Overnight stay in Anuradhapura
After breakfast you will visit Temple of the Tooth. The Dalada Maligawa, also known as, the Temple of the Tooth, is one of the landmark sites in the city of Kandy. It is located in the heart of Kandy town surrounded by the lake and the commercial district. It is a must visit location for all tourists. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a world-renowned place of worship, where the left Canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is enshrined. The temple which is venerated by thousands of local & foreign devotees and tourists daily was named as a world heritage by UNESCO in 1988.
Next you will visit the bathic factory and spice garden in Matale. Batik factory in Mathale really interesting to see the process on how batik is made. So much work goes into making each unique design using wax and colors on a cotton based material.
Aftre you will discover a spice garden, When visiting a spice garden, you will discover the different types of herbs and spices of Sri Lanka`s pride, Opportunities for purchase on various products made with the spices are available which can be either natural cosmetics or traditional herbal remedies. Some gardens offer Ayurveda massages with oils made with the herbs and spices for complete rejuvenation and relaxation which could be ideal for the tired visitor.
Later continuing journey to visiting Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Peradeniya Situated in Kandy`s suburb of Peradeniya, the spectacular Peradeniya Botanical Garden The gardens display over 4 000 different species of plants, regarded amongst the most superior in Asia. The highlight is the spectacular Orchid collection and a mighty avenue of palm trees. In addition to a plethora of flowering plants, there is also an extensive collection of medicinal plants and spices which can be spotted on your meander across the gardens.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Kandy.
Today you will drive towards to visit the Kandy city tour. Visit of Gadaladeniya Temple, Ambakey Temple and Lanka Thilake Temple just outside of Kandy. Though this temple is known as “Gadaladeniya” today, An inscription identifies this temple as “Dharma Kirthi Viharaya” which is the name of the founding monk. The work “Nikaya Sangrahaya” identifies this temple as “Saddharmathilake” and “Saddharmalankaraya” identifies this as “Gadaladeniya Viharaya” after the village which it is located
Next you will visti Embekke Devalaya. Embekke Devalaya can be considered a significant architectural edifice along with its finest wood carvings. Its history extends back to the Gampola period. The Devalaya is located in the Medapalata Korale of Udunuwara area of the Kandy District. This place is dedicated to the Deity of Kataragama.It is recorded in history that it was a three-storied building.
After lunch you will visit Lankatilaka temple. The Lankatilaka temple history runs back to the Gampola Kingdom era. The South Indian architect Sthapati Rayar has designed this with a blend of Sinhalese architecture of Polonnaruwa period and of Dravidian and Indo Chinese style is the opinion of late Professor Paranavitana. Considered to be a Gedige type of Polonnaruwa architecture, this temple which was of four stories earlier is constructed on the uneven surface of the rock with a granite based foundation.
On completion the visit Gem Museum. All the visitors to our exclusive geological and gemological museum are invariably given an knowledge on how Sri Lanka The knowledge thus includes the genesis and deposits of gemstones after getting them washed off to the places where the bottoms of gem pits lead to. Furthermore, in our museum you will see the rarest minerals in the world which are located and found in Sri Lanka and also the oldest fossils of living beings which were originated in the Cambrian Era.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Kandy
After breakfast you will visit Nuwara Eliya .Supposed to be one of the coolest places on the Island; Nuwara Eliya is often referred to by the Sri Lankan tourist industry as ‘Little England’. Travelling through winding roads and lush green valleys, tea estates situated on the slopes and banks of the hills, with tiny streams and waterfalls and the beautiful misty mountains, one can arrive at as any other town does Nuwara Eliya, which is situated among some of the most beautiful tea estates also has the Golf course, race Course, horses, Rose gardens Nuwara Eliya town which offers you everything,
After lunch you will visit Ramboda falls. The area is known for marvelous landscapes comprising of highlands, ridges, plains, streams and hilly mountains. The best of the attractions being the Ramboda falls. Ramboda also has beautiful sights and rare birds cooing on the thick forests. The gushing waters and their sounds as they crackle hitting the rocks is experience awe – parallel.
En-route visit Tea Plantation & Tea Factory .The Tea Plantation & Tea Factory One of the most famous is Blue Field Tea Estate Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka’s tea country is located mainly in the central highlands, although some of the tea growing areas spread as far as the coast. The reason that tea grows well here is because of the topography and the climate. The fertile soil, humidity and higher rainfall provide excellent tea growing conditions and tea plants thrive. It’s also quite a bit cooler in the highlands than the coastal areas due to its elevation.
Next you will visit Gregory Lake .Gregory Lake was build under the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. This is the most prominent attraction in Nuwara Eliya and all the vistors used to come here and spent some time by the lake and relax. Gregory Lake was build under the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. This is the most prominent attraction in Nuwara Eliya and all the vistors used to come here and spent some time by the lake and relax.
Dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Today you will drive towards to visit the Ella. Tucked away in the misty Sri Lankan high country, amongst idyllic green hills and gushing waterfalls, lies Ella.one of this tear-shaped island`s most appealing destinations. From scaling the heady heights of Ella Rock, to laying eyes on the mystical Nine Arch Bridge for the very first time; standing on the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls and winding through the tea plantations and mountains passes on the famous Kandy to Ella train; many of our favorite Sri Lankan adventures can be found right here.
Next you will visit Nine Arches Bridge. The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans the beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Ideally placed between the Ella and Demodara railway station, those choosing to walk along the bridge will be presented with scenes of rolling hills and dense jungle to delight in. The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’ was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.
After lunch you will visit Ravana Cave .The Ravana Cave is located 2 kilometres outside of Ella town and lies 1370 metres above sea level. It is one of the most important tourists attractions with an historical value in Ella. The history of the Ravana cave is that King Ravana used this cave to hide the Princess Sita. The climb up to the Ravana Cave is a steep path which is quite tough with about 650 uneven steps. Some places have broken or no steps at all, just steep rocks. The last few meters are the toughest because you have to climb up the rocks without anything to hold on.
In the evening you will you will climb Little Adam`s Peak .Reaching an imposing 1141 meters in the air, little Adam`s Peak lets thrill-seekers scour stunning sceneries that are made up of densely covered jungle and cliff drops. This is situated 2km away from Ella Namunukula Road and many foreign and local tourists prefer to hike and trail along this mountain. One of the must activities to do in Ella is hiking up Little Adams Peak. The way up to Little Adams Peak is very easy to find and the trail is clearly marked with signs showing the way. You will pass a local village and the goes through beautiful green tea fields. Little Adam`s Peak is very similar to Adam`s Peak in nature and hence got its name from the villagers constantly calling it this name.
Overnight stay in Ella.
Enjoy a delectable breakfast and gear up for an enchanting tour. Firstly you will visit Yala National Park. Yala National Park is the island’s principle national park and offers the greatest diversity of animal and birdlife in the country. The habitats found in the park are wide-ranging, from freshwater lakes to beaches, rocky outcrops to green plains and jungle. This creates an area of immense biodiversity and is one of the world’s most popular destinations to spot the elusive leopard, who love to lounge on the huge granite boulders that dot the parkland.
The home of the Sri Lankan leopards, the Yala Park is the only place in the country where these fierce creatures can roam free in their natural habitat. A jungle safari in this park is must for all nature and wildlife lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and wildlife photographers. On a clear rainless day, one can spot a number of animals at this park ranging from leopards, elephants, Sri Lankan sloth bear, turtles, macaques, fishing cats, etc. One can also find a number of dangerous reptiles native to Sri Lanka like monitor lizards, types of crocodiles, Sri Lankan flying snake, Fan-throated lizard, Indian cobra, Russell ’s viper, and Sri Lankan krait. A safari in Yala National Park is undoubtedly one of the cool things to do in Sri Lanka. Other than wildlife, the park is also famous for its beach and its picture-perfect fishing villages. A walk on that white sandy beach offers a refreshing respite to travelers after a tiring safari over rocky trails and dirt paths.
Dinner and overnight in Yala .
After Breakfast proceed to Mirissa. Mirissa is one of the most popular beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka, and for a good reason. The area has it all, beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, great waves for surfing, and waters teeming with marine life, from turtles to big blue whales.
First you will visit Marissa beach. The area has it all, beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, great waves for surfing, and waters teeming with marine life, from turtles to big blue whales. Spend your days enjoying fresh coconuts in your hammock, eating delicious food from beachside restaurants, is the perfect amount of time to absorb the laidback culture of this sunny beach town, enjoying all the top things to do in Mirissa.
Having made its way to almost every traveler`s when they visit Mirissa, the Coconut Tree Hill is a must-do when you`re in Mirissa. The Coconut Tree Hill is a private coconut estate with a nearby temple set on a high cliff overlooking the glistening waters of the Indian Ocean and the untouched stretch of golden beach. Located in proximity to the town, the hill can be accessed throughout the day or night; at no cost. A short, exciting trek from the base to the summit of the hill or ‘dome’ takes you about 10 minutes through the coconut estate before you’re left in awe at the most stunning view of Mirissa and its golden coast.
Next you will visit Parrot Rock sits directly In front of Mirissa Beach. a huge red-colored mound that towers over the water. It`s become one of the best things to do in Mirissa as it has beautiful views of the palm tree-lined beaches below.Because Parrot Rock sits out at sea, you`ll have to research the tides as low tide is the safest time to cross over It can be dangerous to cross over during high tide, especially in the monsoon season when the waves will be high.
Overnight stay in Mirissa.
Wake up in the morning, have your healthy breakfast and check out from hotel and proceed to visit Whale watching in Mirissa. Blue whales are the biggest animals that have ever lived on our planet. Whale watching in Sri Lanka has always been a very exciting activity. The thrill that you get when you witness these beautiful and mammoth creatures is always humbling. You can enjoy these expeditions mainly during the morning and afternoon, while the morning trip is considered the best to try it out. The area is famous for the wonderful activity of Mirissa Whale Watching. These charming giants in the deep blue waters come under the category of marine mammals. Whales live merely in salty waters where it is believed to help the whales to recover rapidly from injuries and be resistant towards sicknesses. Mirissa, specially the Dondra point is a remarkable location to spot several species of Whales such as the Blue Whale, Bryde`s Whale, Fin Whale and the Sperm Whale. In addition to these marvelous Whales, you would also spot the adorable and intelligent Dolphins. During this season the ocean remains in tranquil, providing the most perfect surrounding to watch Whales and Dolphins in a closer proximity. Sri Lanka is becoming one of the most successful places to see both blue and sperm whales, which can be found off the island`s southern coast. The best time to go is between December and April when the sea is calm and these spectacular mammals traverse the Sri Lankan waters. During this period the chance of spotting whales and large pods of dolphins is very likely, often only a few miles off the coast.
After a hearty dinner, come back to the hotel for a good night`s rest.
After Breakfast proceeds to Galle. The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Sri Lanka located on the southern coast of the country. The Galle Fort is a major tourist attraction that carries important archaeological reserves and cultural heritage. The main attractions are National Maritime Museum, Galle Fort, and Lighthouse which is in fact the perfect place to start your Fort tour. The fort is an ancient fort in Asia, which has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is one of the most the fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty. You will come across a number of lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which adds to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship.
Next you will visit to Sea Turtle in Mahamodara. Located on the outskirts of Galle in Mahamodara, the Sea Turtle Farm has long helped protect the lovely marine creatures, preserve their natural habitat, and promote their well-being. Since it opened, has hatched, cared for, and released thousands of sea turtles back into the wild and educated countless locals and tourists about their feeding and nesting habits. During this time, you could also get up close with these gentle creature and you can even touch them. At the Sea Turtle Farm, you can learn all about their conservation projects and even volunteer yourself if you want to spend more time up close and personal with these amazing creatures.
You can look forward to another scrumptious dinner and overnight stay Galle.
After breakfast you will visit Colombo. The main attractions of the city include the National Museum of Colombo, Lotus Tower, and Gangarama Temple along with many others. Below are the sights you will explore and experience during this excursion.
First you will visit Independence Square .The Independence Square is one of the most vital and historical monuments in the city of Colombo. Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948.
Next you will visit National Museum .The largest museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum of Colombo was established in January 1877 by Sir William Henry Gregory, the then British Governor of Sri Lanka. Currently maintained by the Department of National Museum of the central government, the museum is home to a lot of important collections, including the crown and throne of the Kandyan monarchs.
After that you will visit Gangaramaya Temple .One of the most popular Buddhist temples in Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple is known for its tranquil surroundings and serene atmosphere. The temple sports exceptionally beautiful architecture and is located on the banks of the famous Beira Lake. The Most Visited temple in the city, the Gangaramaya Temple which organizes Sri Lanka’s largest and the most colourful Vesak festival annually, has a history of 120 years.
Dinner and overnight in Colombo
After breakfast, complete the check-out formalities. Proceed for your transfer to the airport as your 14 days in Sri Lanka tour package comes to an end. Bid goodbye to Sri Lanka as your mesmerizing journey comes to an end.
